Wheelchair-Bound Man Killed In North Austin Crash, Suspect IDed

NORTH AUSTIN, TX — Police on Tuesday identified the driver accused of hitting a man in a wheelchair before fleeing the scene where the victim died last week.

The incident occurred May 7 at around 2:10 a.m. along the 7900 North Interstate 35 service road where a Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling southbound in the right lane, just south of Wonsley Drive before striking the man in a wheelchair. The victim, police said, was in the right lane of travel on the service road before impact.

The handicapped man was identified as Robert Copeland, 60, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Police noted the driver fled the scene before being tracked as a result of a CrimeStoppers tip. Charges are pending for the motorist subsequently identified as Rafael Padilla, 28.

Police said the case is still being investigated. Anyone with information regarding this incident can contact police in one of two ways: Calling detectives at (512) 974-3761, submitting tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.

The incident added to the deadly toll on Austin roadways so far this year. This latest incident marked the 22nd fatal traffic crash of 2018 in Austin resulting in 23 fatalities this year. At this time in 2017, there were 26 fatal traffic crashes resulting in 27 traffic fatalities.

>>> Rafael Padilla booking photo provided by Austin Police Department